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Final leg nears for Celebrity Race Across the World contestants
Four famous pairs push limits on a grueling 6,000-kilometer trek from Mexico to Colombia, testing relationships and resilience along the way. The competition concludes Thursday night at the windswept Península de La Guajira.
The challenge
Contestants navigated rugged mountain towns, dense jungles, and unforeseen obstacles with only £950 each-matching the cost of flying the route. The race demanded adaptability, resourcefulness, and teamwork, forcing participants to rely on hitchhiking, local hospitality, and sheer determination.
Tyler West and Molly Rainford: Rekindling connection
The TV presenter and DJ duo entered the race with doubts, questioning whether they could even reach the first checkpoint. Tyler, known for his love of Biscoff biscuits, and singer Molly, accustomed to relaxed holidays, found the experience transformative.
"It was a big question mark in our minds whether we'd even make it to the first checkpoint. I remember looking at the final checkpoint on the map and thinking, 'How on earth are we going to get there?'"
Tyler West
Molly discovered newfound confidence in approaching strangers and seeking help-skills she now plans to carry forward. "It proved to us we can get through anything together," she reflected.
Dylan Llewellyn and Jackie: Stepping beyond comfort
For actor Dylan and his mother Jackie, the race was less about winning and more about embracing the unknown. Jackie, who had never spent more than a weekend away from her husband, prepared by stocking her freezer with steak-and-kidney pies before embarking on the adventure.
The pair learned hard lessons early, including the importance of safeguarding passports and moneybelts. "I can't believe we've got this far. I thought we wouldn't make it after leg one," Jackie admitted. Dylan highlighted the unexpected kindness they encountered, saying, "We felt so much love and togetherness with families."
Anita Rani and Bal: Rediscovering family bonds
Broadcaster Anita and her father Bal, the oldest duo in the competition, initially worried about keeping pace with younger teams. Their journey took on deeper meaning when they faced setbacks like missed buses and border closures in Guatemala.
"When Guatemala closed down, we missed a bus, or whatever, all those things are completely out of your control, and it's very frustrating, but that's part of the journey."
Anita Rani
The experience allowed them to reconnect, with Anita noting, "I think my dad has seen a more vulnerable side of me that I don't normally show."
Roman Kemp and Harleymoon: Bridging differences
Siblings Roman and Harleymoon entered the race with a candid acknowledgment of their strained relationship. The broadcaster and singer-songwriter, polar opposites in lifestyle, used the challenge to rebuild their bond.
A stay with a family on Panama's San Blas Islands left a lasting impact on Roman. "It was the biggest moment for me," he said. "It does make you realise that there's so much more to life." Harleymoon described the simplicity of living with little more than bananas and a hammock as a lesson in gratitude, saying, "We have so much at home, and yet we always strive for more."
What lies ahead
The final leg will determine the winning duo, but for all contestants, the race has already delivered profound personal growth. From forging deeper connections to discovering resilience, the journey has been as much about the experience as the destination.
